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Kerri works hard to ensure every day is full of magic, whether that be spotting a snail on the school run, sliding down mud hills at the forest or bottle-feeding lambs.
She is a passionate Early Years Teacher and builds on the experience and knowledge she has gained from being a primary school teacher and SENCo. Kerri says, ‘I believe children learn best through play and their worlds should be full of awe and wonder.’
Through working with a small group of children, Kerri is able to encourage them to slow down, take in the world, be resilient, take risks and be independent. She teaches in the moment and is able to offer the flexibility of extra visits, opportunities and invitations to play depending on the children’s interests.
She loves being outdoors and spends as much time outside with the children in her care as possible, teaching a love of nature and kindness to all. They also explore the local community to encourage communication and confidence and enjoy talking to local people. Their favourites are the refuse collectors, school crossing patrol and the window cleaner. They also visit the local church toddler groups, local farms, Colchester zoo and castle, the art gallery and local museums. Kerri is currently organising care home visits so they can experience intergenerational care.
They have a Poppyfields floor book into which they add all the amazing things they do together. Kerri scribes what children say and then they are also able to mark-make. The floor book is used for reflection as a group and shared with parents and visitors.
Kerri works with parents as partners and offers tailored support depending on their needs. For example, she provides a range of settling-in sessions, gives advice when requested and sends out regular questionnaires to gather feedback. She shares the children’s progress termly, including next steps and ideas to achieve these at home. This enables parents to be key in their child’s progress. She also sends photos to parents throughout the day so that they can share in their children’s explorations and be reassured that their child is safe and happy. Kerri encourages parents to share their experiences with her, and the children love to look at photos of themselves enjoying family time.
Kerri also follows early years experts and research theorists. She enjoys researching, reading, visiting settings, networking and thinking of new ways to improve her setting and the learning for her children. She aims to learn from everyone around her, including the children in her care, who Kerri says teach the most important lessons if adults let them.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Charlotte Ford, Little Strawbs Childminding – Carterton, Oxfordshire
Charlotte works out of her family home, which is welcoming and nurturing, with parents saying that the children in her care feel like extended family. She ensures there is plenty of opportunity for the children to explore, challenge themselves and engage in free play, as well as well-planned and purposeful structured activities. Beyond this, Charlotte provides an ‘outdoorsy’ approach and they spend lots of time exploring local woods and parks and tending to fruit and vegetables on their local allotment. They go on frequent excursions, including to Cotswold Wildlife Park and Blenheim Palace, where she holds annual passes. Charlotte works closely with other local childminders, and they exchange visits to each other’s settings, allowing children to socialise with other children and adults.
FINALISTS
Claire Hassall, Claire’s Childcare – Hygge In the Early Years Accredited Setting – Thirsk, North Yorkshire
Vikkie Murray, Little Acorns Childminding – Banbury, Oxfordshire
Caitlin Smith, The Flower Cottage – Dudley, West Midlands
CRITERION
Open to individual registered childminders who work alone without assistants (except for voluntary assistants).
